Birthday Anniversary 5th December 2007
The Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary 5th December 2007
After the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the throne this year, the Government and the people of Thailand will continue to celebrate, because of another important occasion next year. It is the 80th birthday celebrations of His Majesty the King.
The Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary said in its letter to the Government that His Majesty had granted royal permission for the use of the following title in English for the royal ceremonies and celebrations on this auspicious occasion:
“The Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary 5th December 2007.”
One of major events to mark this occasion is the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, or the International Horticultural Exposition for His Majesty the King. This world-class event is scheduled for 1 November 2006 to 31 January 2007. In fact, it is meant to celebrate the dual occasion of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne and his 80th birthday anniversary.
Born at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the United States, on Monday, 5 December 1927, His Majesty was the third child of His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla and Mrs. Sangwan Talapat. While born the son of a prince, His Majesty was not directly in line to the throne. No one imagined that the boy born at Mount Auburn Hospital would one day be a king.
The publication Thailand: Traits and Treasures, published by the National Identity Office, states that, in the past, Thailand did not have any distinct royal ceremonies to celebrate the monarch’s birthday anniversary, as is practiced nowadays. The royal ceremony on the King’s birthday anniversary was initiated in the reign of King Rama IV, who ruled the Kingdom from 1851 to 1868. Two events marked the celebration of the King’s birthday anniversary. They are the ceremony to pay respect to the Buddha image and the merit-making at both the Royal Palace and at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Besides royal ceremonies, several activities in support of public charities are held to celebrate this important event, both through private initiative and by government agencies. The Government hosts a festive reception in celebration of His Majesty the King’s birthday at Government House on December 7. This event is graced by the presence of members of the Royal Family and attended by invited guests, including eminent personages of the Kingdom and foreign dignitaries.
In 1960, His Majesty the King’s birthday anniversary was decreed an important day for the Thai nation. And it continues to be a Thai national day, a most important event in the life of the Thai people.
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